CO2-free hydrogen production: Air Liquide invests in the world’s largest membrane-based electrolyzer

25.02.2019

Air Liquide announces the construction in Canada of the largest PEM (Proton-Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer in the world with a 20 megawatts (MW) capacity for the production of carbon-free hydrogen. This investment allows the Group to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the hydrogen energy markets and its ambition to be a major player in the supply of carbon-free hydrogen.

Air Liquide will install a 20 MW electrolyzer that increases by 50% the current capacity of its hydrogen facility located in Bécancour, Québec (Canada). This new PEM electrolyzer, with Hydrogenics technology, will be the world’s largest and will serve the increasing demand for carbon-free hydrogen. Bécancour’s proximity to major industrial markets in Canada and the United States will help ensure North America’s supply of low-carbon hydrogen for both industry and mobility usage.

This new production unit will significantly reduce carbon intensity, compared to the traditional hydrogen production process. Emissions of nearly 27,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to those of about 10,000 sedan cars per year, will then be prevented.

Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President & Executive Committee Member of Air Liquide S.A. and Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. said:

“This investment will help further contribute towards carbon-free hydrogen supply for Air Liquide industrial and mobility markets in North America and complement the recently announced hydrogen investment for the energy markets in the western U.S. Both are reflective of the Group’s Climate Objectives: to reduce the carbon intensity of its activities and work with customers towards a sustainable industry and the development of a low-carbon society.”